> Mainstreaming children with disabilities does cause>some problems to arise, such as maintaining order. As a teacher, it is>your responsibility to work these difficulties out and provide that>child with the education he/she deserves. If you can not do this you>should reevaluate your skills as a teacher."Hard Does!" (Say it as "Hard doos" and it's acceptable colloquialpronunciation in areas drawn from Norfolk.)Was it Catherine or Kristin who said that?

Yes, problems arise, yes it's teachers responsibility to work these... out and provide that ... education. But it's frustration and doubt which drives a teacher to "reevaluate[their] skills as a teacher.Teachers of special needs students - be encouraged. While you reassess your strengths and knowledge about the difficultstudents and situations in which you find yourself, don;t forget toRE-EVALUATE THE LEVEL / KIND / TYPE OF SUPPORT YOU ARE GETTING.

One rather effective tool to assess the student support - get anexercise book, label it "People Helping Bernie" or the appropriatename. Give it a bright cover, with 'Bernie's favourite cartoon stickeron the front. Keep it on your desk, with a tied-on pencil. EVERYONE who helps Bernie makes a journal entry, listing the supportgiven. (Jan 30th, Marcie, age 7, tried lifting Bernie up onto hiswheelchair), (Feb 16th, Mobility Van twenty minutes late, but droveBernie to Riding, lift hoist jammed.)

These notes and anecdotes can be grouped and totalled, to give acomplete picture of just how much support Bernie gets, what he needs,who's supplying it, what's not working and who's responsible.The summary offered at the next I.E.P. meeting highlights where theresponsibility may be lying ( probably in the state coffer level, ornational administration) and now appeals can be directed to theappropriate action groups or decision makers.

It also serves to reassure parents and school staff and Bernie's palsthat Bernie's probably doing quite well, in spit of your worry.

Mainstreaming/ Inclusion are two big asks.Support Funding, and Support Team Training are two almost-answers.